PHI

The economic benefits of space travel were enormous. Trade. Tourism for the monied elite. Hospitality centers on Earth catering to the indulgences of alien vacationers.

One solar system in a remote galaxy had no interest in money-making schemes with others. Early space explorers wrote in their log, “These planets are fiercely isolationist. They reject any commercial arrangements.”

However, a team of linguists were given permission to study the “advanced language.” The researchers observed, “This civilization developed a language of geometric shapes to depict concepts, adding symbols for names and context.” In their published results, they predicted, “It may become ‘the universal language’ due to its logic and eloquence.”

The researchers learned the inhabitants called their solar system “Phi.” The symbol Φ. They designated the planets by numbers. The language study was done on planet “3.”

Van, one of the visiting researchers, became infatuated with a Phi linguist. In his later-discovered private journal, Van wrote, “One particular girl, named Min, has me entranced. She is considered less attractive here, but she is perfect for me. They think she is too nonconformist, but I like her free spirit. They abhor her outrageous sense of humor and loud laugh, but that is most appealing to me.”

Min was charmed with Van too. But as a member of an advanced humanoid race, she initially treated him like a pet. As Van gained knowledge of Phi ways, they became equal, inseparable friends.

When it was time for the visiting linguists to leave, Min and Van petitioned the authorities for Van to stay. Knowing that Min could otherwise not find a suitable mate, this unusual request was approved.

Excerpts from Van’s journal on the Phi system are reported here.

Van wrote, “I learned that planet sizes, spacing, and periods formed in accordance with the Golden Ratio, “Phi.” They believe their sun and planets are alive. Natural or artificial moons help each planet ‘breathe.’ The planets create the multiple resonant frequencies required for sentient life.”

More quotes from Van’s journal: “I discovered the Phi secret to their health and longevity. When Min and I were becoming friendly, she said, “We cannot be physical until you adjust your levels.” I protested, “Levels?” She found it funny I did not know.”

With hands on hips, in a tone like she was talking to a child, Min replied, “Your levels within levels. Each similar to the whole.” I recalled that is a definition of “fractal.”

“So, how do I adjust my levels?” I sarcastically mimicked. Min replied, “Joy is central to all levels. Joy helps you know them and adjust their geometry.” She added, “Levels resonating together gives health and long life.”

Van made some personal discoveries in his journal. “Initially I just played along. Then I began to realize that holding attention on Joy revealed distinct ‘levels.’ Independent, yet interconnected. My levels were not pretty, and they certainly were not resonating.”

More from the journal: “When Min judged I ‘adjusted the geometry of my levels’ enough for sex, I was astonished at another Phi practice. They do not move! “Be still. Feel your levels resonate,” was her rationale. I had heard of tantra, but this was off the charts. Eventually, when the luscious pain suddenly came, the intensity nearly tore my body apart. It felt like it came from the entire solar system. Min shouted. “Give the energy back to Joy.” I wasn’t sure exactly how to do that, but obligingly squeaked out an ‘OK.’”

Van’s journal had a philosophic entry. “Min and I disagreed about the origin of the cosmos. It was amazing to me that she, coming from an advanced civilization, held the atheistic belief that matter creates consciousness. I have the theistic belief that consciousness creates matter. Our debate continues around and around.”

Alternative story ending #1. Van’s journal told the decline of Phi. Not by invasion from outside. Although Phi once had to apply their collective telekinesis to repel a nasty foreign species who wanted Phi inhabitants for slaves and snack food. No, the demise came from within. They lost Joy as their center of attention. They replaced it with seeking pleasure. Appeasement of appetites led to evermore bizarre tastes. Anyone who warned about the loss of Joy was considered a heretic. Those challenging authority were incarcerated. Outsiders were invited to enforce control. The political divide escalated to worsening wars. Phi society collapsed. The planets became barren.

One morning Van and Min woke up, knowing they were in a new place. A solar system had formed with planet sizes, spacing, and periods by the Golden Ratio. The planets had created the multiple resonant frequencies required for sentient life. Van and Min knew that they, along with others arriving from across the cosmos, were to help the inhabitants here evolve.

Alternative story ending #2. Van’s journal told the decline of Phi. Not by threat of invasion from outside. Although Phi once had to apply their collective telekinesis to repel a foreign species who wanted Phi inhabitants for slaves and snack food. No, the demise started from within. They lost Joy as their center of attention. They replaced it with seeking pleasure. Appeasement of appetites led to evermore bizarre tastes. Anyone who warned about the loss of Joy was considered a heretic. Those challenging authority were incarcerated. Outsiders were invited to enforce control. The political divide escalated to worsening wars.

Van and Min were among those with a simple plan to save Phi. Instead of challenging authority, they used time as an ally. They quietly advocated putting “Joy! Resonate!” at the center of attention.

The joyless became decrepit and died, self-selecting themselves to extinction in the evolutionary process.